Between Tampa & Gainesville Lies Florida's Hidden Gem With Natural Springs And Kayaking

Florida isn't short of destinations for travelers looking for a wonderful vacation. There are incredible beaches everywhere, from the Florida Keys and Miami to St. Petersburg and the Panhandle. Orlando serves up endless amusement and excitement with an array of incredible theme parks, while the Everglades National Park is an extraordinary destination for nature and wildlife lovers. But, according to many travelers, the real crown jewel of Florida that nowhere does better is its gorgeous, magical, and often underrated natural springs.

The natural springs of Central and Northern Florida are truly stunning, places of exquisite serenity and unbelievable natural beauty. Crystal-clear water, naturally heated to the perfect temperature, and usually surrounded by beautiful forests, make for terrific swimming holes and the ideal spot to spend a warm summer's day. Many people will know the most famous names, like Emerald Springs, Juniper Springs, or Ichetucknee Springs. But there are hidden gems everywhere you go that are well worth discovering. One of the best of these is the town of Citrus Springs, an almost undiscovered little hideaway near Florida's Nature Coast.

Citrus Springs is located between Gainesville and Tampa in northern Citrus County, in western Central Florida. The nearest commercial airport to Citrus Springs is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), about 55 miles away, which is served by a few domestic routes. Most visitors to the area arrive at Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about 90 minutes away by car, or Orlando International Airport (MCO), which is just under two hours away, as they are served by a far wider selection of domestic and international routes.

Citrus Springs' position on Florida's Nature Coast means it is right in the middle of some of the most attractive natural springs, rivers, and swimming holes in the Sunshine State. Less than 10 miles north of Citrus Springs lies a gorgeous state park perfect for year-round swimming: Rainbow Springs. The park boasts one of Florida's most magnificent first-magnitude springs, the headspring of the Rainbow River. It is also a great place for kayaking, and kayaks themselves can be rented from the launch site starting at $19 per person. There are even guided kayaking tours available with multiple departures each day starting at $65 per person. 

Another great spot just a stone's throw from Citrus Springs is the Crystal River. The warm natural spring waters here are particularly special, as they are home to a large community of manatees and one of the best places in the state to see these gentle mammals up close. Crystal River is known as the "Manatee Capital of the World", and is home to a National Wildlife Refuge dedicated to protecting them. It is one of the best swimming holes in Florida, and also a fabulous place to go diving for scallops, a fun activity that is a must if you visit between July and September.

Another superb spot, particularly for wildlife lovers, is Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. This wonderful destination offers the chance to see black bears, panthers, and the unique opportunity to see manatees in their natural habitat in the marvelous underwater observatory.

Beyond the springs themselves, Citrus Springs is a wonderful part of Florida for a vacation focused on the great outdoors. The Withlacoochee State Trail is one of Florida's longest paved rail trails, and begins just outside of Citrus Springs. From the South Citrus Springs Trailhead, the trail runs for 47 miles through three counties, including the Fort Cooper State Park and the Withlacoochee State Forest, named by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of "Ten Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America."

Crystal River is home to an archaeological state park, which offers a fascinating look into the indigenous history of the region before the Europeans arrived. Six mounds cover the 61-acre complex, including temples, burial mounds, a plaza, and an ancient trash heap! History buffs might also enjoy the ruins of the Yulee Sugar Mill in Homosassa, part of a 5,000-acre antebellum sugar plantation. If art is more your thing, the Art Center of Citrus County is an arts and culture hub, showcasing the visual and performing arts of the region.